Specyfika homilijnej parenezy

Abstract

The subject-matter of a homily, apart from kerygmatic contents and stage directions, existential and mystagogic contents, is also parenesis (moral admonition, calling, exhort). Homily parenesis should be in accord with the dialogical nature of the Revelation and offer faith in God. Only afterwards can it call to adopt respective moral attitudes. Moral callings should be preceded by an address about the salvific working of God, and about that fact that in the Liturgy God alone makes man able to take the challenges of the Gospel. Homily parenesis should also be written in the logic of the liturgical year. Moral callings should be justified and formulated in the way which can be put into practice in everyday life. Weak parenesis should be alien to homily preaching, as it is devoid of a proper (historical-salvific and anthropological) motivation. Weak parenesis ignores the true problems of the hearers, resorts to superficial appeals, emotions, and fear. Using parenesis, one should avoid moralising.